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OCTOBER 2023 5 BY ELIZABETH FAUST The Virginia Athletics Founda- tion (VAF) is excited to welcome Kevin Miller as its new executive director, starting Oct. 9. Kevin will also serve as a deputy athletics director. "We are thrilled to announce Kevin as our new executive direc- tor," said Frank Edmonds, the president of the board of trustees of the VAF. "Kevin was the unani- mous choice of the search com- mittee. His passion for college athletics, ability to build strong relationships, and proven track record in development make him an ideal leader for the organization as it approaches its 75-year anni- versary of supporting student-ath- letes at the University of Virginia." Miller will oversee all aspects of the VAF's fundraising operation in- cluding the Annual Fund, endowed scholarships, Cavalier Academic Achieve- ment Fund, enhancement funds, facilities and planned gifts. Miller joins the VAF after spending more than six years as a senior administrator for the University of Georgia and The Georgia Bulldog Club. "Kevin is a highly regarded and respected advancement professional and athletics administrator," Virginia director of athletics Carla Williams said. "He is known for his energy, innovation, relationship building and passion for excellence in college sports. He has a great understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our industry. We are thrilled with his selection and eager to get to work." While at Georgia, Miller helped lead a fundraising staff that eclipsed $500 mil- lion in funds raised since 2017 and over $100 million in 2023 for the first time in UGA athletics history (a 17 percent increase year-over-year and over 80 percent increase since 2017). He helped to establish the $300 million Commit to the G Campaign in 2022, which is more than one-third of the way toward its goal with just under four years remaining in the comprehensive campaign. Prior to working at Georgia, Miller served as the associate athletics director for major gifts and capital campaigns for West Virginia University's Mountaineer Athletic Club. Miller received his bachelor's degree in business administration-finance in 2005 from West Virginia and his master's degree in sport management in 2006. The Wheel- ing, W.Va., native and his wife, Elizabeth, have three daughters: Emily, Ella James, and Elaina Grace. Family comes first for Miller. He loves to spend time with his wife and children and be involved in their athletic activities. His two oldest daughters currently participate in gym- nastics, dance and soccer, while his 7-year- old has also picked up golf. As an avid golfer, he couldn't be happier about his daughter's interest in the sport. He played for his state championship- winning high school golf team in West Virginia and still enjoys getting together with his former teammates for a round whenever he can. When asked why he chose the Virginia Athletics Foundation and what his vision is for the next few years, Miller was visibly excited about the future. "I can't wait to get started work- ing with the VAF staff and donors by listening, learning and lead- ing," he said. "Just like in sports, everyone on the VAF team, whether it's our staff or donors, plays a sig- nificant role in our overall success. I want to instill confidence in our staff to be creative, independent thinkers who take ownership of their role and collaborate with oth- ers for the betterment of the team. "This is a relationship- and results- oriented business, and as the leader of the organization, it's important that I demon- strate my ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with the staff and donors while also securing philanthropic investments for the betterment of UVA athletics." Miller believes in UVA and is excited about the potential of its athletics programs. "I firmly believe that with the proper phil- anthropic investments from VAF supporters, UVA athletics has the ability to be the pre- eminent athletics program in the country," he said. "I can't wait to meet current and prospective donors who are interested in doing their part in making a meaningful difference by providing the resources neces- sary for UVA student-athletes to achieve broad-based success in athletics, academ- ics, and in life beyond their playing days." Miller also noted the ever-changing land- scape of college athletics, including the chal- lenges of name, image and likeness (NIL); conference realignment; and growing schol- arship needs. He understands the need to embrace NIL and use it to the advantage of our coaches and student-athletes, preferring to look at these developments as opportuni- ties rather than challenges. Miller is excited and prepared to lead the VAF to success no matter what opportuni- ties come our way. Kevin Miller Named VAF Executive Director Miller, his wife, Elizabeth, and their three daughters — Emily, Ella James and Elaina Grace — are excited to join the UVA family. (Photo courtesy the Miller family) " I firmly believe that with the proper philanthropic investments from VAF supporters, UVA athletics has the ability to be the preeminent athletics program in the country. MILLER